Business before friendship in NASCAR Sprint Cup decision

For the second time in as many months, business has triumphed over friendship in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, with an owner not renewing the driving contract of a man whom he considered a friend.

Last month, it was Tony Stewart bidding farewell to Ryan Newman, an original member of Stewart-Haas Racing. Earlier this week, Chip Ganassi informed Juan Pablo Montoya that his contract wouldn’t be renewed for 2014.

Newman’s SHR ride was the victim of funding; Montoya’s future was determined by lack of success.

Montoya, who was a force in CART open-wheel racing and Formula One, failed to reach that level in NASCAR, despite major funding by Target. The 37-year-old Montoya is in his seventh season for Ganassi but has only posted two victories, both on road courses (Sonona in 2007 and Watkins Glen in 2010).

Although Ganassi did not comment on the situation, co-owner Felix Sabates did address the move on SiriusXM’s NASCAR channel.

“It was a difficult decision. He understands,” Sabates said of Montoya. “You have to move on in life sometimes. It’s frustrating for everybody when you know you’ve got good equipment and you can’t seem to put everything together still.”

Many thought this would be a critical year for Montoya, who is perhaps best remembered in NASCAR for crashing into a jet dryer last year during a caution period at the Daytona 500. Although there have been some flashes of solid racing this season, he’s 22nd in the points race, with five top-10s in 22 starts. That’s been indicative of his history with Ganassi.

In the last three seasons since he made the Chase in 2009, Montoya has finished 17th, 21st and 22nd. In 2007, his first full-time season for Ganassi, Montoya was 20th in points, followed by a 25th-place showing the following year.

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Montoya’s future is uncertain, but there is plenty of speculation as to who will replace him in the No. 42 Chevrolet. Much of the talk centers on young Kyle Larson, a Ganassi developmental driver who is in his first full-time Nationwide Series ride.

Newman is a possibility, as is AJ Allmendinger and Elliott Sadler, a former Sprint Cup driver currently competing in the Nationwide Series.

But it won’t be Brian Vickers. He signed a two-year contract with Michael Waltrip Racing to drive the No. 55 Toyota full-time. Vickers has previously shared the seat with Waltrip and Mark Martin, but his victory at Pocono pretty much sealed the deal and the sponsorship from Aaron’s.

“It’s thrilling for me, especially after everything that’s happened,” said Vickers. “If everything in the last 10 or so years in my NASCAR career had gone perfect, it would still be a thrilling opportunity. Very thankful and excited about the future. “

Countdown drama

The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series heads to Brainerd, Minn., this weekend with plenty of spots open for the Countdown to the Championship. The top 10 will be finalized over Labor Day weekend at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.

The field is pretty much set in Pro Stock, as seven drivers have already clinched a spot. Erica Enders-Stevens, who has been sidelined due to financial issues, and Rodger Brogdon are in good position, barring a sudden late surge from Richard Jones.

It’s quite the opposite in Funny Car as only Matt Hagan has assured himself of a spot. The real battle is for three spots (eighth through 10th) between four drivers: Tim Wilkerson, Bob Tasca, Robert Hight and Del Worsham. A total of 39 points separate the quartet, with Worsham currently in 11th.

In Top Fuel dragster, 11th-place Dave Grubnic trails Steve Torrance by 78 points with just two national events left in the race for the last spot.

Responding to tragedy

Bakersfield Speedway in Oildale will be dark Saturday night out of respect for track official Steven O’Neill, who was fatally injured by a flipping car last week. The 54-year-old O’Neill, who served as a race monitor, was struck by a race car that flipped over a barrier. He died at a Kern County hospital.

“There are no words to express how deeply saddened we are with the loss of one of our own. We send our prayers and heartfelt condolences out to Pam, James and the entire O’Neil family in this time of sorrow,” track owner Steve Scheitzer posted on Facebook. “Steve’s presence each and every Saturday night brought joy to the entire Speedway team.” The news hit home at Irwindale Speedway.

“We were all saddened by the news of the loss,” said Irwindale Event Center President/CEO Jim Cohan. “All of racing is really one big family, and our track officials are the people who we ask to keep us safe every night. Losing one of them is something that affects everyone in the entire racing community very deeply.

“We know that there was an immediate response from the fans at the speedway ... taking up a collection for the family and we want try to help out as well.”

A Steve O’Neill Memorial Fund has been established, with donations going to the family. Contributions can be made at Steve O’Neill Memorial Account, PO Box 9506, Bakersfield, CA 93389 (ref. account # 34154).

Names in the news

Defending NHRA Funny Car champion Jack Beckman, after receiving a key to the city from Norco officials: “It was a very nice day and I was able to see some old friends, but I’m not really the kind of person who likes that kind of attention. But I like the attention our team gets after we win. I still can’t believe we haven’t done that yet this season.” … Legendary Midget driver Ron “Sleepy” Tripp has been selected grand marshal of the 73rd Turkey Night Grand Prix, which will return to the Perris Auto Speedway dirt for the second straight year on Nov. 28. … Ross Kenseth, the 20-year-old son of former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth, will attempt to make his first ARCA Racing Series start Aug. 25, at Madison (Wis.) International Speedway.

Racing around SoCal

Pirate Speedway on the National Orange Show grounds in San Bernardino will have a versatile card on Friday night, from the speedway motorcycles to PeeWees on 50cc machines. Additionally, the two-person, three-wheel 1000 extreme Sidecars will make an appearance. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the first race is at 8 p.m. … Following a six-week absence from Perris Auto Speedway, USAC/CRA Sprint Cars are back Saturday night for the “California Racer’s Hall of Fame Night,” which will feature plenty of extra cash. Also on the card are the California Lightning Sprint Cars, PAS Senior Sprints and PAS Young Gun Sprint Cars. The first race is set for 7 p.m. … The Saturday night card at Irwindale Speedway includes the Lucas Modifieds, Late Models, race trucks. Legends and Bandoleros.